Remodeling Returns

Resale-minded homeowners can increase their property values by investing in rehab projects and upgrades. They do however, need to be cautious about over-improving and thus "out-pricing" other homes in the market.

Sid Davis, author of Home Makeovers That Sell, writes that your neighborhood determines what your home is worth. He advises to work within those parameters and don't try to make your house into something it isn't.

What is the percentage rate of return on a kitchen, bathroom, or basement remodel? Let's take a quick look.

Minor kitchen remodels net 98.5 percent in average returns while total high-end kitchen remodels will actually net less in return. An average bathroom fix-up has an investment return of an impressive 102 percent! Downstairs, the average return on a basement remodel is 90 percent since the project can double a home's living space.

Finally, media rooms, which are increasing in popularity are an attractive upgrade for some folks but, experts advise against creating high-end media rooms (for return on investment) unless of course, this is popular in your real estate market.

Look Ma, No Hands!

No hands on faucets, that is. What was once a novelty found only in public restrooms, hands-free touchless faucets are now moving into home kitchens. The new hands-free faucets feature high-arc swiveling necks and pull-down spigots for all sorts of uses from filling pots to rinsing fresh produce.

The innovation addresses two concerns both from a consumer and environmental perspective. Touchless faucets switch on and off using a combination of motion and light sensors which help prevent the spread of germs. That in itself would makes it a wise investment. But more than that, a touchless faucet also conserves water by dispensing it only on demand. That's because for every minute a conventional faucet is left running, two gallons of water are lost down the drain.

Hands-free touchless faucets are available in price ranges from $750 to $1,000 and are sold by manufacturers such as Kohler, Danze and Brizo.